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International Digital Organization for Scientific Research IDOSRJCE92.16.202412


IDOSR JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION AND ENGLISH 9(2) 1-6, 2024.
https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JCE/92.16.202412

Digital Dynamics: Investigating the Impact of Social


Media on Sexual Behavior
Godwin Precious Ashata
Department of Public Administration, Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT
Social media has revolutionized communication, transforming how people exchange information and knowledge,
particularly among adolescents. Adolescence, a period marked by psychophysical development, emphasizes
relationships and socialization. Today, the internet and social platforms offer accessible avenues for exploring
human sexuality without traditional constraints. Adolescents use the internet to stay connected with friends and
engage in various activities, including exploring sexual content and engaging in cybersex. Unfortunately, this has
led to an alarming increase in risky sexual behavior among youths, with social media exposure playing a
significant role. This paper sheds light on the negative implications of adolescents' social media use, particularly
concerning risky sexual behavior.
Keywords: Social Media, Adolescents, Sexual Behavior, Risky Behavior, Internet Impact

INTRODUCTION
Social media refers to internet-based platforms that social media technologies include facilitating new
facilitate the creation and sharing of user-generated methods of interaction, collaboration, and content
content [1]. These platforms enable users to creation [5]. Recognized as important tools for
connect with both old and new acquaintances, reshaping the learning and educational environment,
exchange ideas, share images, videos, and audio files. social media enable the creation of interactive and
Examples of social media websites include Facebook, collaborative learning environments when
Twitter, Skype, and WhatsApp. Over time, social integrated into e-learning tools [6]. Over the past
media has evolved to incorporate various tools and decade, social media have attracted a large user base,
practices that were not previously envisioned, with student involvement in social media
expanding its functionalities. Students utilize social significantly increasing since 2004 [7]. Teenagers
media tools for diverse purposes such as accessing and students have embraced social media as a means
information, engaging in group discussions, sharing to interact with peers, share information, and shape
resources, and entertainment [2]. This widespread their identities, thereby enriching their social lives
use of social media among students has led to [8].
discussions regarding its positive and negative Risky sexual behavior among youths is on the rise,
implications, both in the short and long term. and social media use has been implicated as a
According to [1], the foundation of social media can contributing factor due to exposure to sexual
be traced back to the internet, where the World content online [9]. Youths across the world
Wide Web (www) initially served as a platform for transmit various information, including sexual
facilitating information exchange among users. content, through these technologies, exposing
Social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and themselves to social media content featuring
Twitter have gained significant global attention due substance abuse, sexual risk, and violence. This has
to their widespread adoption. They have sparked public discourse on whether social media
revolutionized communication, collaboration, and cause more harm than good to young adults,
interaction, making these processes more efficient although little is known about how individual youths
[3]. The introduction of social media has engage with such content and information [10].
transformed how people exchange, access, and share Research studies have confirmed that risky sexual
knowledge, fundamentally altering interpersonal behavior is associated with young people and
communication dynamics [4]. The advantages of includes behaviors such as unprotected sex,

1
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alcoholism, substance abuse, anal sexual intercourse, The National Population Commission [24] reported
mouth-to-genital contact, and multiple sexual that 68.8% of sexually active respondents was higher
partners [11, 12]. These behaviors predispose than the 48.9% reported in the 2013 Nigeria
youths to several sexual and reproductive health National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS)
problems, including sexually transmitted infections for youth. This difference could be attributed to the
(STIs), HIV, unwanted pregnancies, and unsafe age bracket differences between the studies. The
abortions, which are major public health issues NPC study included individuals aged 18 to 24, while
worldwide [13]. To prevent risky sexual behaviors the NDHS focused on individuals aged 15 to 18.
such as STIs, the World Health Organization Notably, only 35 (36.8%) of sexually active
recommends educating people online about sexual respondents in the study had one sexual partner in
health, as social media represent powerful channels the past year, with the majority (63.2%) having
for health promotion with more than 2 billion active multiple partners, including 27.4% engaging with
users worldwide [14]. six or more partners. This finding is consistent with
Previous studies have extensively explored the use a study in Ilorin, Nigeria, which found that 62.3% of
of computer-based mediums to advocate for sexual tertiary students had multiple sexual partners [25].
health but have not specifically focused on social The prevalence of multiple sexual partners among
media [14]. However, [15] argued that mass media youth may be linked to sexual experimentation and a
has limited effects in promoting safer sexual lack of awareness of associated negative
practices due to the prevalence of illicit sexual consequences.
content that many young adolescent users are Youths
exposed to online. Social media has been identified as The characteristics of today's youth vary depending
a significant influencer of the sexual patterns and on factors such as upbringing, economic status, and
behaviors of youths, with a common perception that family connections. For instance, the millennial
it exposes them to such illicit content. Parental generation, also known as Generation Y, refers to
monitoring has been established as crucial to parent- individuals born between 1980 and 2000, succeeding
child relationships and can moderate the frequency Generation X in terms of birth year. Millennials
of social media use and subsequent sexual risk exhibit a communication style that is notably open,
behaviors among adolescents [9, 16, 17, 18]. particularly in terms of their frequent use of social
Despite this, there is limited empirical evidence on media platforms. Technological advancements
the effect of social media on sexual health behaviors heavily influence every aspect of their lives, and they
among young individuals. Therefore, this study aims place a high value on money compared to previous
to assess the influence of social media on the sexual generations [26]. Additionally, millennials are more
health behavior of youths. receptive to political and economic concepts, making
Sexual Behavior them highly responsive to changes in their
Sexuality encompasses the quality or state of being immediate environment. Internet usage is pervasive
sexual and goes beyond the mere absence of disease, among this demographic, with approximately 95% of
dysfunction, or infirmity. Sexual health necessitates the population accessing social networking sites like
a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and Facebook and Twitter. Out of a total population of
sexual relationships, along with the opportunity to 256.2 million people, over half, accounting for 132.7
have pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free million individuals, are internet users. Male users
from coercion, discrimination, and violence [19]. are slightly more prevalent, constituting 51.8% of all
Key markers and indicators of sexual risk behavior internet users compared to 48.2% for females. The
(SRB) include early sexual initiation, insufficient largest percentage of internet users falls within the
contraception use, promiscuity, and sexual contact age groups of 25-29 and 35-39, respectively.
with unfamiliar partners [20]. Behavior, as defined Moreover, more than 106 million people utilize
by [21], refers to how someone conducts themselves social media monthly, with 85% accessing it via
and can vary between good or bad, desirable or mobile devices. The millennial generation, born into
undesirable. [22] highlighted that sexually explicit the digital age characterized by widespread
media exposes young individuals to adult themes at cellphone and online shopping usage, comprises the
a formative age. Others argue that exposure to majority of internet users [27]. This tech-savvy
pornographic materials and knowledge and use of generation, defined by its openness and cultural
contraceptives, particularly condoms, heavily adaptability, eagerly shares their activities on social
advertised, significantly contribute to youth media while actively seeking information.
involvement in sexual activities.
A study by [23] was conducted among students in a
tertiary institution to examine risky sexual
behaviors and suggest solutions to address the issue.
2
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(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited
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Risks of Youth Using Social Media iv. Privacy Concerns and the Digital
i. Cyberbullying and Online Footprint
Harassment The primary risks facing preadolescents and
Cyberbullying refers to the deliberate use of digital adolescents in today's online environment stem from
media to convey false, embarrassing, or hostile interactions with peers, improper use of technology,
information about another individual. It stands as privacy concerns, oversharing of personal
the most prevalent online risk for teenagers and information, and dissemination of false information,
typically occurs among peers. While "online as highlighted by [32]. These behaviors pose a
harassment" is often used interchangeably with threat to their privacy, as internet users leave behind
cyberbullying, they represent distinct phenomena. a digital footprint of their online activities,
Current data indicate that online harassment is less comprising a record of visited websites. This digital
common than offline harassment, and most children footprint can have significant implications for their
who engage in social networking sites are not at risk future reputations. Preadolescents and adolescents,
of experiencing online harassment [28]. Conversely, often unaware of privacy issues, may unknowingly
cyberbullying is widespread and can target any post inappropriate content online, not realizing the
young person online, leading to significant permanence of their actions. Consequently, their
psychosocial consequences such as depression, future prospects, including job opportunities and
anxiety, profound isolation, and, tragically, suicide. college acceptance, could be jeopardized by
ii. Sexting impulsive online behavior. Furthermore,
Sexting refers to the act of sending, receiving, or indiscriminate internet activity makes children and
forwarding sexually explicit messages, photographs, teenagers more susceptible to targeting by
or images via cell phones, computers, or other digital marketers and fraudsters.
devices [29]. These images often circulate rapidly v. Influence of Advertisements on
through cell phones or the internet. While sexting is Buying
prevalent among teenagers, a recent survey revealed Numerous social media platforms prominently
that 20% of teens have sent or posted nude or feature various types of advertisements, including
seminude photographs or videos of themselves. banner ads, behavior ads, and demographic-based
Some teens who engage in sexting have faced ads, which not only shape the purchasing behavior of
serious consequences, including threats or charges of preadolescents and adolescents but also influence
felony child pornography. However, some states their perceptions of what is considered normal. Of
have begun to classify such behaviors as juvenile-law particular concern are behavior ads, which utilize
misdemeanors [30]. Additional repercussions of data gathered from users' browsing history to target
sexting include school suspension for perpetrators personalized ads, aiming to influence their
and emotional distress, along with accompanying purchasing decisions. This form of targeted
mental health issues, for victims. However, in many advertising is prevalent on social media platforms
cases, the sexting incident remains confined to a and begins influencing children from the moment
small peer group or a couple and is not perceived as they start engaging online [33]. To address this
distressing by those involved. issue, many online platforms have started
iii. Facebook Depression implementing restrictions on ads targeting children
Researchers have introduced a novel concept known and adolescents. It is crucial to educate parents,
as "Facebook depression," characterized by the children, and adolescents about the nature of
emergence of depression symptoms in preteens and behavioral ads to foster media literacy among young
teens who spend extensive time on social media consumers, enabling them to recognize and critically
platforms, such as Facebook [31]. Adolescents place evaluate the influence of advertisements on their
significant importance on acceptance and behavior and decision-making.
communication with peers, and the pervasive nature The Influence of Social Media on Adolescent
of the online environment may contribute to the Sexuality
development of depression symptoms in some Adolescence is a critical period characterized by
individuals. Similar to offline depression, adolescents physical and psychological maturation, with
experiencing Facebook depression may face social relationships and socialization playing central roles
isolation and may seek assistance from risky internet [34]. During this time, teenagers navigate new
sources and blogs, potentially promoting substance roles and experiment with their identities, facilitated
abuse, unsafe sexual practices, or aggressive/self- in part by the accessibility of the Internet and social
destructive behaviors. media. In Europe, many adolescents regularly access
the Internet without parental oversight, using it for
various purposes, including maintaining social
connections [35]. Some adolescents engage in
3
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(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited
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online sexual activities (OSA), such as cybersex, as a compared to offline interactions [41]. Despite this,
means of sexual exploration [36]. However, OSA instant messaging serves important developmental
can also be considered risky behavior, potentially needs by enabling teens to connect with peers and
leading to negative consequences [37]. Adolescents, enhance their group identity [42]. The Internet and
characterized by traits like sensation-seeking and social media have also increased access to sexually
lack of control, may be particularly prone to risky explicit content and pornography, exposing teens to
cybersex use due to their limited understanding of such material at higher rates than previous
healthy boundaries [38]. Interactions in cyberspace generations [43]. Some adolescents even report
often lead to accelerated intimacy and a sense of having their first sexual experiences online.
identity that may differ from one's offline persona, a However, exposure to sexual media during
phenomenon known as the "hyper personalization childhood and adolescence can evoke negative
effect" [39, 40]. While electronic media facilitate emotional reactions, including shock and
interpersonal connections, adolescents may feel less embarrassment, with enduring effects [43].
psychologically close to instant messaging partners
CONCLUSION
Social media has profoundly impacted the lives of young individuals. Therefore, further research is
adolescents, revolutionizing communication and needed to understand the nuances of how
interaction while shaping their perceptions and adolescents engage with social media content related
behaviors, particularly regarding sexuality. to sexuality and its influence on their behavior. To
Adolescents utilize social media platforms for mitigate the negative effects of social media on
various purposes, including accessing information, adolescent sexuality, interventions should focus on
maintaining social connections, and exploring sexual promoting media literacy among young consumers,
content. However, the pervasive nature of social educating parents, children, and adolescents about
media has also led to an alarming increase in risky the risks associated with social media use, and
sexual behavior among youths, exposing them to fostering open communication about sexual health
sexual content and promoting unhealthy sexual and healthy relationships. Additionally, strategies
practices. The negative implications of adolescents' for enhancing parental monitoring of adolescents'
social media use on sexual behavior are significant, social media use and promoting positive online
with cyberbullying, sexting, Facebook depression, behaviors are essential for protecting adolescents
privacy concerns, and the influence of from the potential harms of social media on sexual
advertisements posing considerable risks to their behavior. Overall, addressing the influence of social
well-being. Additionally, the accessibility of sexually media on adolescent sexuality requires a
explicit content and pornography online exposes comprehensive approach that involves collaboration
teens to material that may have enduring negative among parents, educators, healthcare providers,
emotional effects. Despite the challenges posed by policymakers, and adolescents themselves to
social media, there is limited empirical evidence on promote safe and healthy online environments for
its specific impact on sexual health behaviors among young individuals.
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CITE AS: Godwin Precious Ashata (2024). Digital Dynamics: Investigating the Impact of Social
Media on Sexual Behavior. IDOSR JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION AND ENGLISH 9(2) 1-6.
https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSR/JCE/92.16.202412

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(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

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